Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Gila Community College Offering Electrical & Instrumentation and Industrial Plant Technology Apprenticeship Programs

The Gila Community College has teamed up with the area mines to offer Electrical/Instrumentation and Industrial Plant Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship Programs that will give you the edge in the mining arena.

The high‐demand for personnel in these careers is what has generated the interest and funding to establish the programs which will be offered locally at the Gila Community College Skills Center. The two programs are Electrical & Instrumentation Technology and Industrial Plant Technology. The Electrical & Instrumentation Technology Program prepares you for a thriving career as an industrial electrical and instrumentation technician. The Industrial Plant Technology Program prepares you for a successful career in mechanical maintenance and repair occupations. Upon completion of one of these programs the student will have earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree, be prepared for certification exams, and be employed full‐time with benefits.

Students receive classroom training and on‐the‐job training during the three‐year program. In essence, students will be paid while progressing through the apprenticeship program. Scholarships for students are available and will pay for all tuition and books.

Both the classroom instruction and laboratory training will be take place at the Gila Community College Skills Center (the armory location in Claypool).

Gila Community College is one of three community colleges in Arizona offering the programs. Initially, Freeport McMoRan and Gila Community College have been working on the project with other mining companies which are being offered the opportunity to sponsor students for both apprenticeship programs.

Only four easy steps to start a financially rewarding career:

1. Meet with career advisor at Gila Community College.
2. Complete placement test.
3. Complete admission form.
4. Complete scholarship form.

The classes will begin this coming August and now is the best time to apply. Get your applications at the Gila Pueblo Campus at 8274 Six Shooter Canyon Road in Globe. If you are interested, but would like to make sure this is right for you, call Dr. Stephen Cullen, Senior Dean of Gila Community College, to schedule an appointment at (928) 425-8481.